HR Business Partner II

About the role

TDS Telecom is seeking a Human Resources Business Partner II to join our dynamic team. This role is responsible for providing Associate Relations support and partnering with assigned business units in areas such as performance management, talent management, organizational planning, employment policies, and associate relations.

Responsibilities

• Investigates, recommends and resolves associate issues for policy or internal process violations and associate concerns, complaints, etc.
  • Conducts investigational interviews with associates and other witnesses as applicable, conducts problem evaluation, obtains factual information, interpretation of human resource policies, guidelines and labor laws, and in conjunction with the Manager-Associate Relations and appropriate management staff, determines recommended resolution and/or formal disciplinary actions as may be appropriate.
  • Timely and accurately completes case documentation such as interview transcripts, timeline of events, and summary of events.
  • Works with legal counsel on legal claims as necessary.
• Administers Performance Metrics and Attendance Guidelines.
  • Makes sure associate performance metrics and sales quota expectations are managed, and ensures associate unscheduled or excessive absenteeism is monitored using pre-determined progressive paths.
  • Reviews and analyzes attendance tracking, ensuring calculations are accurate, guidelines are adhered to, and previous precedents are followed.
  • Timely and accurately completes case documentation such as interview transcripts, timeline of events, and summary of events.
  • Works with legal counsel on legal claims as necessary.
• Manages associate medical accommodation requests which could include leaves of absence, work restrictions, and business-related requests from an associate and health care providers (HCP) as applicable.
  • Works closely with the associate and their HCP to determine what potential medical accommodation requests could assist in associate’s performance.
  • Proactively partners with departmental leaders to diagnose current and future HR needs and develop strategies for resolution of concerns.
  • Communicates with leaders and associates about important deadline dates such as for performance management ratings, action plans, compliance training completions, etc.
  • Conducts in-person exit interviews with associates who voluntarily leave the Company to understand why people are leaving and to develop potential retention solutions.
• Facilitates business unit reorganizational efforts including realignment of staff due to the needs of the business.
  • Determines selection criteria, creates associate informational packets, and meets with associates to communicate impacts.
  • Administers severance policy guidelines as applicable.
• Ensures all legally-required posting notices appear in all associate locations.
  • Administers state-specific legal training requirements.
• Processes unemployment claims, responds and works with the applicable ER BP to coordinate attendance at hearings when necessary.
  • Manages the interactive process by working closely with the associate and their HCP to determine what potential medical accommodation requests could assist in associate’s performance.
• Manages the Labor Relations function, working closely with legal counsel and the Field Services Officer.
  • Responsible for managing the collective bargaining agreements and negotiating new agreements.
• Manages the Company’s Safety program which includes administration of the Safety policies, leading the Safety team, ensuring Field Service Managers include Safety topics and training during staff meetings.
  • Administers the Safety policies.
• Creates, implements, administers, tracks and communicates human resources policies and procedures within the Associate Handbook.
  • Interprets policies, answers associate questions, tracks precedents/decisions, works with various individuals at all levels of the Company on new policy development, and takes proactive steps to develop and update policies based on employment law changes.
• Manages all required compliance training for new hires, ensuring completion occurs within applicable deadline dates.
  • Manages refresher course completions for existing associate base.
• Creates new Action Plans for new associates and at the beginning of each year, monitors rating and year-end action plan completions, responsible for all associate and manager communications.
  • Facilitates Civil Treatment for Managers (CTM) throughout the year.
• Manages the Company’s Safety program which includes administration of the Safety policies, leading the Safety team, ensuring Field Service Managers include Safety topics and training during staff meetings.
  • Administers the Safety policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) - OR - 4+ years professional work experience.
• 1+ years' experience in Human Resources.
• 1+ year experience handling associate relations situations including conducting investigations and investigational interviews.
• Pursuing ongoing professional development in the area of Human Resources.
• SHRM Certification a plus.
• Attainment of Civil Treatment Certification within first two months of position attainment.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective time management, prioritization and follow-up skills.
• Outstanding attention to detail skills necessary and required.
• Outstanding organizational skills, follow-through and ability to work well tactically and conceptually required.
• Excellent documentation skills with ability to determine which information is important, relevant and necessary, in a manner which is detailed, precise, complete in nature and legally sound ensuring all facts are captured.
• Knowledge, interest and strong desire to keep up-to-date with Human Resource policies, standard practices, laws and regulations and proposed changes and the ability to apply them consistently.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with demonstrated record of dealing with sensitive issues in an innovative, professional way.
• Demonstrated process development/improvement skills.
• Set the standard for personal integrity, honesty, and teamwork.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Sit, stand, write and operate a computer keyboard, standard office equipment and telephone.
• Communicate with customers.
• Reach for items.
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect.